Chapter 1

Bang.
The gravel fell.

The auctioneer looked toward the center of the front row. “Congratulations on your winning bid.”
The next moment, he addressed the entire auction hall:
“Congratulations to bidder #629 for winning Starry Sky 2 with a bid of 5.8 million.”

Applause erupted in the room.
Ji Changsheng clapped the loudest.

Starry Sky 2 had broken the record for the highest sale price among all of Ji Xingyao’s works. Before she could even fully feel the joy, the excitement was quickly diluted by her father’s unusually enthusiastic applause.

No matter what the occasion, her father was never one to show his emotions openly. His reaction today gave her a strange illusion—like he was deliberately acting overly pleased.

She leaned toward him and whispered, “Dad, did you secretly arrange for someone to buy Starry Sky 2?”

Ji Changsheng, still immersed in joy, was a beat too slow to respond.

Ji Xingyao mistook his brief silence for confirmation. Holding his hand, she said,
“Dad, I’ve made you worry again. But please don’t waste money like that anymore.”
After all, on top of the sale price, a large commission would have to be paid to the auction house—it was just burning money.

Ji Changsheng looked speechlessly at his daughter. “Your dad might spend five million to buy you a dress, but I’d never spend that kind of money to secretly buy your painting. Wouldn’t that just be self-deception?”

He shifted in his seat and leaned forward to look ahead.

In the center of the front row sat several people—bidder #629, who had just bought Starry Sky 2.

Ji Changsheng caught a glimpse of a woman’s profile from one of those seats and recognized her instantly.
“The one who bought your work is the founder of M.K. Gallery. Even if I had all the connections in the world, I couldn’t have gotten her to show up just to support you.”

A few tall men sat in front of Ji Xingyao, blocking her view. She couldn’t see the seat where #629 was sitting.

But she knew who the founder of M.K. Gallery was Pei Yu, a legendary and famously beautiful artist. Even after fifty, her presence still outshone everyone else.

M.K. Gallery was under the M.K. Group umbrella. Pei Yu was not only the gallery’s founder, but also the wife of the M.K. Group’s chairman.

What people talked about most wasn’t her looks or her talent—it was her elite marriage with the chairman of M.K., and her formidable son who dominated the capital markets: Mu Jinpei.

Mu Jinpei looked like neither of his parents but was the perfect combination of all their best traits.

That handsome face of his had stirred many heiresses’ hearts. In the business world, he was even more strategic and ruthless than his father.

Ji Changsheng said, “You probably know a bit about Pei Yu too. If she doesn’t personally like a piece of art, who could possibly force her to buy it?”

That much was true. Ji Xingyao nodded.

Ji Changsheng had gotten so excited simply because he was proud of his daughter. Even he hadn’t expected the Starry Sky series to catch the eye of someone like Pei Yu.

Since she was a child, his daughter had dreamed of becoming a painter. Now that she was being recognized by a respected senior, it was the greatest praise she could receive.

“Take a look later—if you see something you like, I’ll bid on it for you,” Ji Changsheng said.

Ji Xingyao tilted her head slightly and smiled at her father.
Ji Changsheng affectionately ruffled her hair. “What’s with that look?”

Ji Xingyao teased, “You really mean it? Better decide before I make up my mind—you might change yours.”
She added playfully, “My work probably had the lowest starting price and the least reputation of everything in the auction.”

What she meant was: everything else was probably priced over ten million.

Ji Changsheng patted the back of her hand. “You make it sound like I’m stingy and you’re frugal.”

Ji Xingyao smiled mischievously, still pushing her luck. “But I am frugal. Though if I don’t pick something, wouldn’t I be letting Chairman Ji’s kind intentions go to waste?”

Ji Changsheng chuckled. He thoroughly enjoyed these playful moments with his daughter.

The auction continued stage.

Ji Xingyao ended up winning a painting she had admired for a long time—an artwork by a master she deeply respected. The final price was more than four times that of her Starry Sky 2.

As the evening approached, the autumn auction concluded successfully.

At 7 p.m., there was still a cocktail party to be organized by the auction house specifically for collectors and enthusiasts who had participated in the event.

It was Ji Xingyao’s first time attending such a grand and luxurious social gathering. Before graduation, her life had been simple—either painting or not painting.

She returned to China in early July, and since then had stayed holed up in her studio. Over the past four months, she completed Starry Sky 3.
Starry Sky 2 was done while she was still in school and had taken her one year and two months to finish.

“Dad, I’d rather go home and work on Starry Sky 4,” she said, looking at the made-up version of herself in the mirror—someone who didn’t even look like her anymore. “Why don’t you let Mom go to the party with you instead?”

Ji Changsheng had specially arranged for a makeup artist and stylist today. Even the evening gown had been prepared months in advance.
He was engrossed in a financial magazine and didn’t really catch what she said.

“Dad.”
“Hmm?”

Ji Changsheng looked up. “What is it?”
“What are you reading so intently? Is it because Mom got featured in a magazine again?” Ji Xingyao watched him through the mirror.

But Ji Changsheng dodged the question. “What were you saying again?”

“I’m not used to big, lively events. I’m no good at handling them. Let Mom go with you.”

Ji Changsheng folded the magazine page, creased the corner, and handed it to his secretary, Feng Liang.
Feng Liang understood without a word. Since they were in front of Ji Xingyao, he didn’t ask questions and quietly slipped into his bag.

Ji Changsheng walked over to his daughter. “Your mom has rehearsals with the troupe lately. She called me this afternoon—might not be done until late tonight.”
Her mother had been a ballet dancer in her youth and was now the head of a ballet company.

Ji Changsheng said, “Back when you were still in school, always holed up in the studio, refusing to go out or make friends, I let you be. But now that you’ve graduated, you need to socialize a little.”

He paused.

“You can’t spend your whole life holed up with paint and canvases. You’re not a kid anymore—it’s time to think about dating.”

Ji Xingyao made a gesture telling him to stop.

Ji Changsheng took the hint and didn’t press the issue further.

The stylist asked Ji Xingyao for her opinion:
“Would you like to pair a more fashionable wristwatch with your look?”
The watch she was currently wearing didn’t match the elegance of her evening gown at all.

Before Ji Xingyao could respond, Ji Changsheng made the decision for her.
“Change it,” he said. Then to his daughter, “That watch isn’t even worth wearing.”

Her father had always thought the watch was ugly. Considering that he’d bought her a painting she liked earlier that evening, she agreed without complaint to swap it out for a decorative one.

Once her hair was styled and makeup set, Ji Xingyao stood up.

The gown she was wearing was from a custom couture fairy-tale collection. The stylist, who had seen countless socialites and beauties, was still taken aback by how stunning Ji Xingyao looked tonight.

She looked ethereal—untouched by the mortal world.

Just like her painting, Starry Sky 2.

…

At 7:15 PM, Ji Xingyao entered the banquet hall alongside her father.

Today’s autumn auction had already gathered many elite figures and entrepreneurs, and the evening cocktail party was even more lively. Several top celebrities had been invited to boost the atmosphere. The hall glittered with glamorous gowns and the clinking of glasses.
Whether sincere or superficial, everyone chatted and mingled with ease.

Wherever Ji Xingyao passed, it was as though the sound had faded away. Countless eyes followed her, regardless of gender.

The Ji Group’s influence was well-known in these circles, and every guest present tonight was aware of it.
On top of that, Ji Changsheng had a strong reputation—known for being discreet and respectful in the industry.
People eagerly came over to greet him, offering polite conversation and slipping in compliments for Ji Xingyao as well.

Ji Xingyao was dazzling on her own, but with her powerful family background, she made every other woman in the room seem dim in comparison.

…

“Xingyao?”

“Uncle Tang,” she greeted warmly.

“I almost didn’t recognize you—you’ve really grown into a stunning young woman,” Tang Hongkang said, walking over. “Uncle congratulates you. Starry Sky fetched a fantastic prize tonight. The future is bright for you.”

“Thank you, Uncle Tang. You flatter me.”

Tang Hongkang was her father’s business partner, and the second-largest individual shareholder in the Ji Group.

Ji Xingyao politely asked, “What’s Sister Galai been up to lately? I’ve been so busy since I got back, but I’d love to catch up with her soon.”

Tang Hongkang sighed, shaking his hand in frustration. “Don’t even bring her up—talking about her shaves years off my life.”

Ji Changsheng chimed in, “I told you before, you shouldn’t micromanage everything. Kids should be allowed to make their own choices. Just because you like doing business doesn’t mean your child does too.”

Tang Hongkang grumbled, clearly disappointed: “It’s not like I forced her to join the company. But she needs to at least have some direction, right? If she were like Xingyao, focusing seriously on painting, I wouldn’t say a word. But she’s half-hearted in everything. Started learning painting, then halfway through switched to running an art gallery—honestly…”

He sighed heavily.
“Forget it. I’m going to find Old Qi and talk business.”

Ji Changsheng gave him a nod.

Once Tang Hongkang walked away, Ji Xingyao asked her father in a low voice,
“Is Sister Galai really on such bad terms with Uncle Tang?”

Ji Changsheng replied, “Old Tang is too domineering, and Galai is rebellious. The two of them clash constantly—like fire and water.”

They were still talking when a stir arose at the entrance of the banquet hall.

Ji Xingyao looked over and first saw Pei Yu, the founder of M.K. Gallery and the one who had purchased Starry Sky 2 earlier—bidder #629.

Then, she saw Tang Galai sitting beside Pei Yu.

Tang Galai noticed her too.

Their eyes met.

Tang Galai was briefly stunned. Once she confirmed it was really her, she smiled and waved.

Pei Yu turned slightly and asked, “You know that girl?”

Tang Galai pulled her gaze back and replied, “Yes, she’s the daughter of my father’s business partner.” Then she quickly added,
“President Pei, that’s Ji Xingyao—the artist who painted Starry Sky 2, the piece you won tonight.”

During the auction that afternoon, Pei Yu hadn’t even looked at the detailed introduction of the painting before deciding she wanted it and asked Tang Galai to raise the paddle.
When Galai handed her the painting’s info, Pei Yu just waved her off and didn’t read it.

Her boss had always been this way—if she liked a painting, she would buy it, regardless of the artist’s fame.

Pei Yu asked, “The entire Starry Sky series was painted by her?”

Tang Galai: “Yes. Uncle Ji mentioned that Xingyao is currently working on Starry Sky 3. Not sure if it’s finished yet.”

Pei Yu hadn’t expected someone so young to possess the insight to create such a deep and resonant piece of art.
Not only was she talented, but she was also beautiful too.

From the moment they entered the banquet hall, Pei Yu had been struck by Ji Xingyao’s presence.

In recent years, very few people or paintings had the power to impress her at first glance. Ji Xingyao was one of those rare exceptions.

Once Galai started talking about Ji Xingyao, she couldn’t stop.
“Actually, Xingyao’s strongest suit is still-life painting. She created the Starry Sky series as a personal challenge.”

And clearly, it was a successful one.

Starry Sky impressed not only with its use of color and ethereal quality, but also with its innovative techniques and expressive depth—it was a breath of fresh air.

Pei Yu took the initiative. “Since we’re fated to meet like this, introduce the young lady to me.”

As they spoke, the group had already drawn near.

Tang Galai made the introductions.

Although Pei Yu and Ji Changsheng had seen each other at social events before, they weren’t well-acquainted, this was their first proper introduction.

Tang Galai was visibly overjoyed. She hugged Ji Xingyao tightly.
“You were right to study painting. I just transferred to M.K. Gallery’s Beijing branch earlier this month, and I never imagined the first auction item I’d handle would be your work.”

She was eight years older than Xingyao and now felt an almost motherly pride—as if watching her little sister finally blossom.

Pei Yu, usually reserved and sparing with praise, didn’t hold back when it came to Ji Xingyao.

She smiled gently and said,
“Your name suits you, and your art reflects your spirit. I’ve only loved still-life paintings in recent years, but today, for the first time, I bid on a portrait. Starry Sky 2—you gave it a soul.”

Ji Xingyao was overwhelmed by the unexpected praise.
“Thank you, Teacher Pei. You flatter me.”

While the ladies continued chatting, Ji Changsheng couldn’t find a place to cut in, so he excused himself and stepped out of the banquet hall.

His secretary, Feng Liang, followed closely behind.

The two of them found a quiet corner.

Ji Changsheng lit a cigarette and asked, “You saw the magazine, right?”

Feng Liang nodded.
The page Ji Changsheng had dog-eared earlier contained a report on Mu Jinpei—it said he had recently returned to China and was preparing to expand his capital ventures into the domestic market.

What Ji Changsheng really wanted to say was:
“Mu Jinpei doesn’t look like Chairman Mu at all—and even less like Pei Yu.”
He had met Mu Jinpei a few times during investment roadshows.

The first time he saw Mu Jinpei, he had felt a chill run down his spine. The reason? Mu Jinpei looked far too much like someone from the past—especially his eyes.
But Mu Jinpei’s identity was solid, while the son of that long-departed acquaintance had died young.

Later, Ji Changsheng had Feng Liang investigate. The report confirmed: Mu Jinpei was the only grandchild of the Mu family. That settled his nerves a bit. He told himself he was overthinking.
After all, it wasn’t uncommon in this world for people with no blood ties to resemble each other.

Besides, the Mu family was prominent and powerful. They wouldn’t raise someone outside the bloodline as their own heir.

But now, two years later, seeing a photo of Mu Jinpei again, that old unease resurfaced—especially since this time, Mu Jinpei had returned to invest.

Feng Liang asked, “Chairman Ji, what are you implying?”

After a brief silence, Ji Changsheng said,
“Dig deeper. I want to be 100% certain whether Mu Jinpei is the biological son of Pei Yu and Chairman Mu.”
The Mu family had emigrated years ago—he didn’t know much about their private affairs.

Feng Liang nodded. “Understood. I’ll investigate it as soon as possible.”

Ji Changsheng slowly exhaled a cloud of smoke and motioned for Feng Liang to return to work.
He stood alone by the window for a while to steady himself, then headed back into the banquet hall.

…

One heavyweight guest had still not arrived at tonight’s party.
There had been traffic on the way from the airport to the hotel, causing a delay.

Mu Jinpei sat in the back seat of a car. The window was rolled up, sealing the interior in complete silence—like a world apart.

His phone rang. The contact’s name was a single letter: F.

Mu Jinpei answered.

“President Mu, Chairman Ji still suspects you.”

Mu Jinpei showed no change in expression. He replied calmly,
“Expected. I resemble my birth mother. Ji Changsheng is naturally suspicious.”

After a short pause, he added,
“Get rid of his doubts. And don’t report back to me about trivial matters like this again.”

“Understood.”

Mu Jinpei ended the call.

He rubbed his temples. His headache had started the moment he got off the plane.

He didn’t like this city.
But now, he had no choice but to return.

As the car neared the hotel, Mu Jinpei sent a message to Pei Yu:
[Mom, I’m almost there. Are you still at the banquet?]

A few days ago, Pei Yu had asked him why he had suddenly decided to invest in Beijing.

He had simply replied: “Some unresolved matters from the past.”

Pei Yu hadn’t pressed for details. She had always respected his boundaries. If he didn’t want to say something, she never forced him to.

…

At that moment, Pei Yu was still chatting with Ji Xingyao, asking her about the creative journey behind Starry Sky 2.

Her phone vibrated in her handbag. She gave Xingyao an apologetic smile.
“Sorry, I need to check a message.”

Pei Yu stepped into the lounge area to return the call.
Ji Xingyao went to look for her father. Ji Changsheng was deep in conversation with some friends, so she didn’t interrupt. Instead, she stepped outside the banquet hall to get some air.

She still wasn’t used to such social settings.
The mix of truths and lies—all the small talk and pretense—left her exhausted.

Ji Xingyao gazed out the window. The city shimmered. The lights stretched into a long, flowing river of stars, winding endlessly toward the horizon.

Suddenly, she heard footsteps behind her.

The door to the emergency stairwell pushed open from the inside.

Five people entered, all dressed in formal suits.
Mu Jinpei walked at the front, speaking on the phone. His assistant and bodyguards followed closely behind.

The commotion drew Ji Xingyao’s attention; she instinctively turned around.

Caught off guard, their eyes met.

A shiver ran down Ji Xingyao’s spine, and she quickly looked away.

She hadn’t expected to run into Mu Jinpei here. He was even taller than she had imagined, and an overwhelming sense of dominance radiated from him. In that fleeting moment of eye contact, his gaze was deep—unfathomable—and sharp as a blade.

Like a hawk, piercing straight into the soul.

Any secret would be laid bare before him.

Mu Jinpeis eyes lingered on her for less than two seconds before drifting away with nonchalance.
He spoke into his phone, “Mom, I’m here.”
Then hung up.

Earlier, wanting to talk to his mother, Mu Jinpei had chosen not to take the elevator and had come up the stairs instead.

Ji Xingyao turned back to the window. The sound of footsteps behind her gradually faded into the distance.

There had once been a media article describing Mu Jinpeis charm:
If he wanted to win a woman’s heart, he wouldn’t need to do anything—just look at her with full focus, and that alone would be enough.

Few could resist.

She hadn’t believed it before.

Now, she did.

What Ji Xingyao could never have predicted was that this one glance from Mu Jinpei would mark the beginning of a lifelong entanglement between them.